Most of the people who contacted the city council were in favor of the change (183 in favor of the change, 31 against) and most of the people who spoke were also in favor of the change.

"This ordinance is archaic and has been in place a long time," said Councilman Jim Page of the original ordinance. "It should have never been in place at all."

Meanwhile councilman Jim Schultz said: "What I've learned is that this whole issue lies with personal responsibility of the pet owner....Irresponsible owners wil always be a problem. We have ordinances in place for irresponsible pet owners. (Note, Schultz did not follow this line of thinking when he voted in favor of the city's pit bull ban in 2006).

Marcie Gragg and Lucy Young also voted in favor of the changed ordinance -- both have been very good representatives of the citizens of Independence. Mayor Don Reimel and Myron Paris voted agains the change.

This is certainly progress for the citizens of Independence. This is still a pretty strict pet limit law, but it's better than it was before.

Comments

It's widely known that most dog owners who come under scrutiny own ONE dog - check the stats.

There are laws already in place to deal with noise, unsanitary practices, neglect, etc.

People should be able to have as many pets as they can care for properly. If they are not respecting their neighbours, not looking after their dogs or cats properly or being a nuisance in any way then that should be addressed.

There will be increased licensing revenue, more adoptions and more freedom for pet owners.

My neighbor has 5 cats and they let them outside all the time. Now they are shitting in our yard and we are tired of it. We've told them about it and they don't care. Isn't there a law about outdoor cats?